In a significant turn of events, the Delhi government has withdrawn its recent order that restricted fuel supply to "end-of-life" (EoL) vehicles. This decision comes after facing widespread public criticism and acknowledging the practical challenges in implementing the ban. The policy, which aimed to curb vehicular pollution, prohibited petrol vehicles older than 15 years and diesel vehicles older than 10 years from refueling at fuel stations across the city.
The now-rescinded rule, enforced with the help of Automated Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras at petrol pumps, affected over 62 lakh vehicles in Delhi, including cars, two-wheelers, and trucks. The government's data had suggested that vehicles contribute to over 50% of local pollution. Environment Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa cited "technological challenges and complex systems" as reasons for the rollback, adding that the government is now working on a system to impound poorly maintained vehicles instead. The initial ban required fuel stations to maintain logs of denied fuel transactions and display signage about the restrictions. Fuel stations faced potential penalties for non-compliance.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Parliament of Ghana during his state visit, emphasizing the importance of giving a voice to the Global South. Modi, the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Ghana in over 30 years, was welcomed by President John Dramani Mahama with a Guard of Honour and a 21-gun salute. During his address, Modi highlighted India's shared democratic values with Ghana and reaffirmed India's commitment to the Global South and multilateral platforms. He noted that India has over 2,500 political parties, drawing smiles and surprise from the Ghanaian parliamentarians.
Modi stressed that progress is impossible without empowering the Global South. He pointed to India's rapid economic growth and its track to become the third-largest economy, supported by stable governance. He also noted the role of technology, the rise of the Global South, and shifting demographics in contributing to this growth. Modi dedicated the "Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana" conferred on him to the enduring friendship and shared values between India and Ghana. He said that India carries Africa in its heart and that their partnership should be built not only for today but for generations to come.
